If you have never cruised or been to Alaska before you may be wondering what you have the potential to see. What you have the potential to see on your Alaska cruise or land tour is dependent on your itinerary and the time of the season that you are cruising. The places you go to in Alaska will have an impact on what you may get to see. There is a common misconception that all you will see in Alaska is snow, ice, and glaciers. This is not true because there are trees & grass and a variety of different landforms in Alaska. This article will take a look at some of the natural landforms and features that you will have a chance to see in Alaska. Please keep in mind you may see some of these or none of these because what you see depends on where you go and when you go.

Glaciers, Ice, & Snow As I mentioned earlier many people think that all Alaska contains is glaciers, ice, and snow. This is a common misconception that is not true. I believed this until I went to Alaska for the first time. On your Alaskan cruise or land tour you will have a great potential to see a glacier, some ice, and snow. You are most likely to see a glacier if you cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord, Glacier Bay, or visit the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. There are many other glaciers that I am not mentioning that you have the potential to see depending on your itinerary. Depending on the time of year you are cruising will determine the amount of snow and ice you get to see. When I went in June 2013 there was snow & ice on the mountain peaks of Juneau and Skagway, but not on the ground. In Ketchikan, Alaska, there was a minimal amount of snow on the mountain peaks, but this was the southernmost port of my cruise itinerary. If you cruise at the very start or end of the season you would have a greater chance of seeing some snow or ice.

Wildlife While you are in Alaska you have a chance of seeing a variety of different wildlife. Alaska is home to many different types of animals so make sure you are on the watch for wildlife. You may see animals such as birds, bears, and/or fish. Bring a pair of binoculars if you are interested in spotting wildlife while on a tour or from your ship. Use caution if any wildlife (such as a bear) approaches you while on land and do not scare any wildlife. Use common sense when spotting wildlife or if you are close to wildlife.

Mountains While you are in Alaska you will most likely have a chance of getting to see a mountain or a bunch of mountains. The mountains you that you might see will vary in size and could have some snow on the peaks. If you are flying to an Alaska cruise departure port you may get to see some mountain peaks from your airplane so make sure you have a camera!

Sunrise/Sunsets If you get a chance to see a sunrise or sunset in Alaska you should take advantage of your chance! If the weather is clear and nice you will hopefully get to see an orange or red sunrise/sunset. The sunrise/sunset you see will be dependent on the weather so be on the lookout for the sunrise/sunset. Have a camera with you if you want to take a picture!

Waterfalls If you are lucky you will get to see a waterfall in Alaska! When snow is melting on mountains or hills sometimes the melting snow/ice will turn into water and form a path. This causes a waterfall to be formed. You could see a waterfall anywhere in Alaska so keep your eyes open for them!

In Alaska during your cruise or land tour you never know what you might get to see! Also be on the lookout for wildlife, natural landforms, and anything else. Have your camera ready to take a picture at all times because something you see could be visible one minute and not the next.